Florida crews rescue a 410‑pound manatee trapped in storm drain

A juvenile manatee nicknamed Melby was freed from an underground stormwater baffle box in Melbourne Beach on Feb. 9 after multiple agencies responded; the roughly 7‑foot, 410‑pound animal was taken to SeaWorld Orlando for rehabilitation and is showing signs of recovery.

An over 400‑pound juvenile manatee was rescued after being found trapped in an underground stormwater baffle box in Melbourne Beach, Florida. The animal, referred to as Melby by local officials, was pulled free on Feb. 9 after several agencies responded. Responders included the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Brevard County Fire Rescue, the University of Florida, and local utility and towing crews. Manatees are a threatened Florida species and are sometimes drawn to warmer, shallow waters during cold weather. Key details: - The manatee was discovered in a baffle box (a stormwater structure) and responders arrived after a public call to the FWC Wildlife Alert Hotline. - Multiple agencies and crews worked for several hours, using heavy equipment and digging through several feet of concrete to remove the drain lid; the animal was extracted just after 9 p.m. and lifted out by a tow truck. - Onsite assessment found the manatee underweight with multiple open wounds on the underside near the tail and flippers; responders reported the animal was alert and moving but had been exposed to shallow, cold water. - The animal measures about seven feet and weighs roughly 410 pounds and was transported to SeaWorld Orlando for expert care and rehabilitation. - SeaWorld staff reported the manatee is moving independently, breathing on its own, and showing interest in food while veterinarians continue to evaluate its condition. Summary: A prompt public report and a coordinated response by local, state and federal responders led to the manatee being recovered alive and transported for care. Melby is now under veterinary care at SeaWorld Orlando where staff are assessing injuries and monitoring rehabilitation. Officials reported that cold conditions were the most likely reason the manatee entered the culvert, but they did not state that definitively.